Bermudian reggae sensation Collie Buddz is back with a brand-new, aptly timed album called “Take It Easy”. Released just in time for World Mental Health Awareness Month, the project delivers a powerful message of positivity and self-care while reminding us to prioritize ourselves, shake off negativity, and embrace good things, especially in the face of life’s challenges.
A Collaborative Approach
Showing off his prowess as a musician and producer, the artiste took a different approach to the new album from his last release in 2019 —an experiment he undertook to challenge himself to produce the body of work alone.
While he produced most of the tracks on “Take It Easy” himself, this new album is a collaborative effort with his touring band and trusted producer, Jason “J-Vibe” Farmer. The record is subsequently transformed by this teamwork, which gives it a distinctive cohesiveness and makes for a well-crafted musical journey.
All-Star Lineup
One aspect that distinguishes “Take It Easy” is its impressive lineup of collaborators. Buddz brings in heavyweights like dancehall legend Bounty Killer, rap group Cypress Hill’s B-Real, Demarco, Danny Towers, and Keznamdi. Each song brims with his vision and inventiveness, displaying his growth as an artist.
Tracklist
- Take It Easy
- High Grade (International Herb)
- Brighter Days
- You Around
- Close To You
- No Bush Weed (ft. B Real)
- Twisted Agenda (ft. Bounty Killer)
- Wicked – Produced by Fatbabs
- Trap Set (ft. Demarco)
- Money Up (ft. Keznamdi)
- Collision (ft. Danny Towers)
- Hold Firm
Feel-Good Vibes
Collie Buddz is excited about this release, stating, “I poured my heart and soul into this project, and I’m thrilled to finally share it. ‘Take It Easy’ is a celebration of life, love, and the power of music to unite us all. I hope it brings joy and positive vibes to everyone who listens.”
A Musical Journey
It’s a contemporary reggae album with affirmations, challenging lyrics and a solid musical foundation. Buddz’s smooth vocals blend seamlessly with various soundscapes and infectious riddims, drawing inspiration from classics like one-drop and lovers rock while incorporating more recent genres like Afrobeats.
Prioritizing Mental Health
The compilation also emphasizes the importance of mental wellness. Buddz urges listeners to prioritize self-care, whether through positive thinking, surrounding themselves with kind people, or engaging in cannabis-infused meditation and music. It invites listeners on a journey to “make the goodness inna yuh heart take control” through various rhythms, while highlighting the value of finding inner peace for physical, mental, emotional and even financial health.
Breaking Free
“Take It Easy” is a reminder that when life feels overwhelming, or, as he puts it, when the “system ah trick yuh, have yuh spinning like a yo-yo” it’s essential to take a break, relax, and come back home to ourselves.
Collie Buddz uses this work to show us what matters most in a stressful world, much like the music video for the title track. In it, we see him and a love interest driving toward a beach sunset, embodying the heartening and comforting mood of the album.
